Celebrating
25 YEARS!
Made for
FAMILY! Homes That Invite Togetherness
FURNITURE & LIGHTING FINDS
LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS TO KNOW
M Y L A G O S M Y W AY
C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 1
2 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
H I S TO R I C D OW N TOW N C O N WAY | 1011 OA K S T.
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 3
From TV personalities and pageant winners to your neighbor next door, Dr. Garner has perfected thousands of smiles around the globe. SERVICES : Adult Alternatives to Braces | Mercury Elimination Wedding Smile Enhancements | Metal Free Dentistry Corrections for Short Teeth, Extreme Tooth Wear, Grinding, Spotty Enamel, Protruding Teeth, Overbite, and More
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August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 5
Welcome to Dream Living. Your dream home goes beyond walls and windows. It’s about how you live, and where — like the expertly planned neighborhoods offered by Chenal Properties. Scenic landscapes. Thoughtful extras. All comfortably nestled among the schools, restaurants, businesses and outdoor amenities you love best. These are more than dream homes. It’s a dream life. See what’s available to build or buy.
chenalproperties.com | 7 Chenal Club Blvd. | Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 | 501-821-9108
PotlatchDeltic is an expert at selling quality real estate. Having established some of the most sought-after developments in Central Arkansas, including Chenal Valley in Little Rock and Red Oak Ridge in Hot Springs, the company also offers a wide variety of recreational properties for sale around the state. 6 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
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We opened our doors in 1949. Our focus then and now is to bring our customers a quality product to match the quality of service we provide. 400 N. Magnolia St. | North Little Rock, AR 72114 pchdwe.com | sales@pchdwe.com | 501-224-1724 August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 7
C O N T E N T S
August 2022 | The Family Homes Issue
Style 15 All Fun & Games SHOP
17
DESIGN
21
REFRESH
Easy Updates
Multipurpose Magic
Life 25 Savoring Summer GATHER
30
RETREAT
35
DISCOVER
In with the Zen
Fayetteville & Springdale
Special Section 59 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDSETTERS
In Every Issue 12 80 WELCOME
END NOTES
On The Cover 25
The Chism family’s west Little Rock dining room. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 44.
Home 39
42
44
52
DOUBLE DELIGHT
HERE WE GROW!
HOUSE OF JOY!
CASUAL COMFORT IN THE DELTA
West Little Rock grandparents create a nursery for their twin grandsons with the help of Jill Lawrence.
Designer Stacy Sheid Epps employs a calm palette and sophisticated selections for a baby boy’s room.
Maggie and Blake Chism create a family home with a happy palette, meaningful pieces, and a warm welcome.
In Marion, Ashley Brewer spearheads a renovation that gives a young family more space with a coastal-inspired flair.
Vol. 27, No.7 © 2022 by Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Root Publishing, Inc., 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR 72202. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR.
8 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
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Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com Editor
Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com Managing Editor
Tiffany Adams (ext. 104) tiffany@athomearkansas.com Art Director
Steph Smith steph@athomearkansas.com Graphic Designer
Taylor O’Dell graphicartist@athomearkansas.com Social Media Manager
Laura LaRue laura@athomearkansas.com Contributing Photographer
Rett Peek
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ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in At Home in Arkansas, call 501.666.5510 or email kelly@athomearkansas.com 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510
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August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 11
W E LC O M E
From the Editor Welcome to our annual Family Homes issue, where form follows function in the most stylish of ways. I know from friends (and interviews) how challenging it can be to balance practical choices with desired aesthetics, and the homes in this issue are here to offer assurance: it can be done! In discussing using her family’s heirloom china in an everyday setting (page 25), designer Jen Bienvenu hit on a great point for enjoying your home at every season of life: If you don’t use it, you don’t make memories with it. The reason for everything in your home is to provide a safe, happy place for your family. And if you end up with a smear of popsicle on the sofa, hey— that’s what Shout is for!
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor S T E P H A N I E @AT H O M E A R K A N S A S . C O M
James Farmer’s new book, Celebrating Home: A Time for Every Season, offers inspiration for tabletop styling, floral arrangements, gardens, and timeless Southern décor, all in Farmer’s enduring traditional style. Available August 8
Understated Elegance: New Urban Living is the latest from editor Wim Pauwels. The linen-bound book features a collection of 12 city dwellings from around the world, each with a clean, streamlined palette and contemporary sensibility. Available August 24
Find a collection of Atlanta designer Suzanne Kasler’s recent work in her fourth book, Edited Style. Projects include casual beach homes, mountain and country retreats, and even a redesign of her own Regency-style home. Available September 20
GET IN TOUCH!
CORRECTION
We love hearing from our readers. If you have a question, correction, or simply want to share your thoughts on a story, email stephanie@athomearkansas.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (@athomearkansas).
In our June edition, the Herend dinner plate and Bodrum placemat found on page 16 were incorrectly sourced to Tipton & Hurst in Little Rock. We regret the error.
12 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
Photos by Rett Peek (portrait) and courtesy of publishers
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All Fun & Games PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER & STYLIST STEPH SMITH
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 15
S T Y L E
S H O P
Teak and raffia “Pom Pom” stool and embroidered pillow. Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOX TURTLE.COM
Bunny lamp and rattan “Casa” bag. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM
Nurseries and play areas come to life with goods geared toward little ones Chromolithograph bird print from Studer’s Popular Ornithology. Dandy Roll, Rogers DANDYROLLHOME .COM
Fiona Walker felt pig trophy head. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock
“Chester” organic cotton cat doll and plush strawberry. Presley Paige, Fayetteville PR E S L E Y PA I G E .C O M
16 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
Blue throw blanket with dots. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM
Images by Rett Peek (pillow) and courtesy of vendors
CY NTHIAE ASTFABRICS .COM
D E S I G N
Images courtesy of vendors
S T Y L E
Pieces from Fairfield’s “East Camden” collection, including a base with file cabinet, open-shelving hutch, and a desk, bring polish to the home office.
Easy Updates
Hit the refresh button with new furniture and lighting options
PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 17
S T Y L E
D E S I G N
1
2
5 3
4
1 American Leather “Kendall” sectional. 2 “Meredith” ottoman from CR Laine. 3 & 4 “Saisei” chandelier and “Maura” natural chandelier, both from Currey & Company. 5 “Elsa” cabinet in Blonde Natural from Gabby.
18 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
S T Y L E
D E S I G N
6
7
8
9
10 11
6 “Del Ray” bed, shown in Seal from Hooker Furniture. 7 Savoy House’s “Fremont” sconce in Matte Black. 8 The “Aerial” cocktail table from Miranda Kerr for Universal Furniture. Available fall 2022. 9 “Paradox” counter stool from Uttermost. 10 The “Jean” credenza from Arkansas designer Shayla Copas’s line with Chelsea House. 11 Gabby’s “Adams” cerused wood dining table in Forest Black.
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 19
Local Retailers AMERICAN LEATHER Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurntiure.com; Lacuna Modern Furniture, lacunamodern.com; mertinsdykehome, mertinsdykehome.com
CHELSEA HOUSE Cantrell Furniture Design Center, cantrellfurniture.com
CR LAINE Art of Design, shadavari.com; DP Designs, (501) 680-8114; Lamb’s Interior Design, lambsinteriordesign.com; Phoenix Interiors, (501) 225-0400
CURREY & COMPANY Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com
FAIRFIELD
Sanders Supply, Inc. Showroom Plumbing, Lighting, & Decorative Hardware 107 E . B E L D I N G | H OT S P R I N G S | 5 01- 52 5 - 2 42 0
Abide Furniture, abidefurniture.net; Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurniture.com; H3 Home + Decor, h3homedecor.com; Providence Design, providenceltddesign.com; White Furniture, whitefurniturecompany.com
GABBY Art of Design, shadavari.com; Blu D’or Interiors, (870) 336-1435; Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; Phoenix Interiors, (501) 225-0400; Providence Design, providenceltddesign.com
HOOKER FURNITURE Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurniture.com; Brashears Furniture, brashears.com; Butler Furniture, butlerfurniture.com; Cantrell Furniture Design Center, cantrellfurniture.com; Cost Plus Furniture Warehouse, costplusfurniturewarehouse.com; H3 Home + Decor, h3homedecor.com; Hank’s Fine Furniture, hanksfurniture.com; Sowell’s Furniture, sowellsfurniture.com
SAVOY HOUSE Light Innovations, light-innovations.com; Lighting Emporium, lightingemporium.com; The Lamp Outlet, thelampoutlet.com; TEC Electric, tecelectric.com
UNIVERSAL FURNITURE Abide Furniture, abidefurniture.net; Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurniture.com; Art of Design, shadavari.com; Blackmon’s Furniture & Appliances, blackmonfurniture.com; Brashears Furniture, brashears.com; Cantrell Furniture Design Center, cantrellfurniture.com; Cost Plus Furniture Warehouse, costplusfurniturewarehouse.com; Dean’s Furniture, deanfurnitureco.com; H3 Home + Decor, h3homedecor.com; Hank’s Fine Furniture, hanksfurniture.com; Harris Furniture, harrisfurniture.com; mertinsdykehome, mertinsdykehome.com; Southern Loft, mysouthernloft.com; Sowell’s Furniture, sowellsfurniture.com; Warnock Furniture, warnockfurniture.com
UTTERMOST Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurniture.com; Brashears Furniture, brashears.com; Cajun Bros. Furniture & Mattress, cajunbrothersfurniture.com; GW Lighting and Home, gwlightingandhome.com; Gamble Home Furnishings, shopgambles.com; H3 Home + Decor, h3homedecor.com; Hank’s Fine Furniture, hanksfurniture.com; Kaufman By Design West, kaufmanlumber.com; Lighting Emporium, lightingemporium.com; Pollard’s, (870) 933-9711; Southern Loft, mysouthernloft.com
WEST LITTLE ROCK GLASS LLC. 1903 Hinson Loop Rd. • Little Rock • 501-223-3034 20 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
Please note the local retailers listed for the items shown may only have pieces available by special order. Additionally, many lines are available to the trade through your favorite local interior designer.
S T Y L E
R E F R E S H
BEFORE
Multipurpose Magic
One galley-style room checks all the boxes for laundry, pantry, catering kitchen, and more
WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 21
S T Y L E
R E F R E S H
“To be such a hardworking room, it’s really a very happy space.” —Mara Malcolm, designer
“Upward” Sherwin-Williams
T
he laundry room of their west Little Rock home had long been a sticking point for designer Mara Malcolm and her husband, Mark. “It was tiny and burdensome,” she says of the area that housed their washer and dryer. What’s more, the family’s food storage was less than optimal with their kitchen cabinets holding dry goods and a garage fridge serving as overflow for drinks and cold staples. Mara knew there had to be a better way to maximize space and storage. Thinking about their needs, she found a solution in one space that was under-utilized. “The room directly behind our washer and dryer was designated as an office on the floor plan but had more recently become home to our Peloton,” the designer says. Willing to part
22 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
with the space in that form, she sketched out a plan to eliminate the laundry’s back wall and take in the office’s square footage, creating a true working pantry with a nook for her washer and dryer along with loads of other amenities. “We always said if we built a home we would do a prep kitchen,” Mara says. The newly created galley room allowed for this with an abundance of concealed cabinetry and open shelving as well as a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Zones dedicated to entertaining, baking, and cleaning maintain order and keep the mess out of the kitchen hub. “This is a space that really works and has made our lives so much more efficient,” Mara says. “I always say if you can check both the form and function boxes, then it’s a win.”
S T Y L E
R E F R E S H
1
THE NEW CHINA CABINET
The couple frequently host family and friends, so storage for entertaining wares was a priority. “I’m sort of a hoarder when it comes to dishes,” Mara says. “Before, many of my patterns were in the basement, so when it came time to plan a party, I couldn’t even see them.”
2
PRETTY PRINT
1
2
3
4
For the window shade fabric, Mara selected “Eden” by Thibaut. She notes the colorful scene offers a starting point for other accessories and brings a bit of joy to the functional space.
3
CLASSIC BASE
Since cabinetry extends throughout the room, Mara opted for timeless selections, including polished silver hardware and white quartz that covers the counters and carries up the backsplash.
4
VISIBLE STORAGE
After living without a dedicated pantry, Mara was eager to have a space where they could easily see what food was on hand. Open shelves allow for this, while wicker baskets hold items grouped together for easy access.
Design Resources CONTRACTOR Caleb Milam, RQM Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Mara Lamb Malcolm, Lamb’s Interior Design APPLIANCES Triple A, Johnston Home Center, and Metro Appliances & More ART M2 Gallery CABINETRY Moody Cabinets COUNTERTOPS AND BACKSPLASH Pinnacle Granite Co. FABRIC AND LIGHTING Lamb’s Interior Design PAINT Sherwin-Williams PAINTING AND MILLWORK RQM Homes TILE The Tile Shop WINDOW COVERINGS Linda McNeill
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 23
OUTDOOR LI VING + L ANDSC APE DESIGN • BUIL D • MAINTAIN
SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE
RE
AN
TO S E E M
O
5 01. 4 5 4 .9 8 0 3 | B E T T E R L AW N S A R .C O M
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Style. Crafted just for you.
Pella is the most preferred window brand by homeowners in Little Rock.* Pella Window & Door Showroom 8740 Maumelle Boulevard, North Little Rock 501-758-5050 | PellaLittleRock.com *Based on a 2020 survey of leading window brands among homeowners. © 2020 Pella Corporation
24 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
Windows & Doors
M A K E YOURSEL F AT HOME
Savoring Summer
Life
Jen Bienvenu shares glimpses of a backyard dinner party designed with both kids and parents in mind
WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK PRODUCER STEPHANIE MA X WELL NE W TON
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 25
L I F E
T AA ST TH EE R G
Betsy’s daughter, Grace (left), toasts with her friend Annie.
A
s a designer, Jen Bienvenu notes her love of entertaining was most likely spawned even before her passion for interiors. “My mom is a fabulous hostess. She taught me how to set a table and the order of operations for a party,” she says. Now that Jen has her own family, she puts these skills—and traditions—to good use with a group of friends who often host one another, especially during the laidback days of summer. “The end of summer is a moment caught between the return home from beach vacations and back-to-school activities,” Jen says, noting it’s the perfect time to pause. When she saw rows of stunning pink and blue hydrangeas in bloom at her dear friend Betsy Rhodes’s home, she knew the palette would be ideal for this gathering. Specifically, she used her family’s heirloom Minton china along with pink invitations, menu cards, and linens that feature the colors. “I’m of the school of thought that nothing is too precious. If you don’t use your china, then you don’t create the memories with it,” she says. “You can always shop eBay or replacements.com if something gets broken.”
26 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
Being a young family with a busy schedule, Jen notes many of the dinners they have with friends are done potluck style, with collaboration on everything from tableware to the menu. “We can’t bear the thought of one person carrying the cooking and prep load,” she says, an approach that makes it easier to enjoy one another’s company more frequently. For this menu, Jen took inspiration from her husband’s native Louisiana. “We jump at the opportunity to prepare jambalaya or any creoletype dish,” she says, adding that shrimp is a perfect selection for summer gatherings. She found a new favorite recipe in the Junior League of Little Rock’s Little Rock Cooks. “I especially love finding local cookbooks at estate sales and creating menus based on them,” she says. Jambalaya can be served family style and scooped into mugs or bowls that can travel around the yard as the guests watch their children play. The dish pairs well with a simple salad, a storebought cake, and Jen’s signature pineapple whip (see the recipe on page 29) for a sweet ending to both the evening and the season.
L I F E
G AT H E R
“I’m of the school of thought that nothing is too precious. If you don’t use your china, then you don’t create the memories with it.” —Jen Bienvenu, designer
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 27
L I F E
G AT H E R
MIX, NOT MATCH
Lemon leaf Majolica chargers topped with Minton “Cockatrice” plates, both of which were handed down to Jen and her husband, Ben, by his grandmother, set a colorful tone on the table. Vintage bamboo flatware, rattan placemats, blockprint napkins, and a gingham tablecloth lend a more casual feel that balances with the formal elements. Simply Charming Window Works & Design crafted coasters from leftover fabric after creating the cloth for the kids’ table and lumbar pillows.
Little Rock stationery store The Social Type printed menu cards in a pink-and-white palette to coordinate with the flowers and dinnerware.
28 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
L I F E
G AT H E R
RECIPE
Jen’s Pineapple Whip SHOP
4 ounces pineapple juice ¾ cup almond milk 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks splash of lemon juice pinch of salt mint and pineapple slices, for garnish rum or bourbon, if desired
PREPARE
Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until creamy and smooth. If desired, transfer mixture to a piping bag that will give a perfect soft-serve swirl in a glass; otherwise, pour into dessert glasses. To create an adult beverage, add an ounce of your favorite rum or bourbon, stir, and enjoy.
RAISE THE BAR
“Pineapple whip is a kid-friendly drink that makes the evening feel special and hints at the state fair just around the corner,” Jen says. She suggests stocking your bar cart with other refreshing options such as sparkling water and prosecco.
Design Resources ACCESSORIES Dillard’s, J. Parkey, and South Main Creative GARDEN (MAINTENANCE) Stewart Clark GARDEN (SEASONAL COLOR) Claas Gardens PAPER GOODS The Social Type
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 29
L I F E
R E T R E AT
In with the Zen Designer Daniel Keeley brings cosmopolitan style to a south Arkansas outdoor space WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON
C
reating a refined place to unwind was the goal behind Dr. Jeffrey Reinhart’s backyard makeover. Having lived in his Monticello home for decades, he is no stranger to renovations. Most recently, he worked with Tom Chandler & Associates to refresh the home’s interiors, which prompted him to call on longtime friend and outdoor designer Daniel Keeley to create a similar aesthetic outside. “We know the client, and we know Tom’s style,” Daniel says. “With those thoughts in mind, we wanted to make it a sophisticated space that is an extension of the interiors and feels worldly and collected over time,” he adds, pointing to a number of pieces and plantings throughout that have an Asian influence. While the covered structure was already in place, Daniel transformed a formerly grassy area next to the koi pond into a patio. He notes the client’s draw to adventure
30 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
L I F E
R E T R E AT
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 31
L I F E
R E T R E AT
led them to incorporate a pebble-shaped firepit here. Aside from this newly created space, Daniel also refreshed the existing structure with furnishings and accessories that are cohesive with the home’s overall style. “We were trying to be as indoorsy as possible,” he says. To this point, comfort was key. Two seating areas—one in the covered area and a second on the openair patio—provide space to lounge and can accommodate a crowd, while being equally conducive to enjoying a cup of coffee on a quiet morning.
NATURAL DESTINATION
A wooden bridge leads across a koi pond to the newly created firepit area. Daniel took a dual approach to screening this portion of the yard with evergreens that will mature over time in the back and large containers holding Japanese maples and liriope in the front. An overscale Asian bust makes a statement on the console table behind the sofa.
32 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
Roundback barstools mimic the curvature seen on nearby sofas, helping to unite the spaces.
L I F E
R E T R E AT
“We wanted to make it a sophisticated space that is an extension of the interiors and feels worldly and collected over time.” —Daniel Keeley, designer 1
2
1 An ornamental pond stocked with koi brings a soothing, sensory experience to the space. 2 Daniel notes caning on the two outdoor sofas elevates the look and makes it feel more like an interior space. “This is not your average patio furniture; caning is an element you don’t often see in outdoor spaces,” he says. 3 Tom Chandler & Associates specified an Italian tile that runs throughout the interior and continues to the covered space outdoors for a seamless flow. 4 A mix of Japanese maples and liriope bring texture and play into the Asian influence found throughout the garden.
3
4 Design Resources LANDSCAPE AND OUTDOOR DESIGN Daniel Keeley, DK Design ACCESSORIES DK Design and Tipton & Hurst FURNITURE AND PLANTS DK Design KOI POND FISH AND PLANTS Green Thumb Water Gardens
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 33
5 01.613 .76 6 0 | 47 9.4 4 3 . 9 0 0 2 | D K D ESI G N O U T D O O R . com
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Pleasant Valley Plaza 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 Cool off with something cold at Hail Fellow
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HUGE SELEC TION OF FURNITURE FOR OUTDOOR LIVING AVAIL ABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! 34 At Home in Arkansas | July 2022
L I F E
D I S C O V E R
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
Springfield, Missouribased Clothe Boutique opened a new location in Fayetteville featuring on-trend pieces fit for the town’s college set.
Discover Fayetteville & Springdale
A bustling creative community and college-campus charm make these Northwest Arkansas towns a draw
WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER STEPH SMITH
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 35
L I F E
D I S C O V E R
Local Color Studio Gallery in Fayetteville offers art camps for kids as well as display space for artists.
Since opening in the spring, The Boardwalk Food Truck Court has quickly become a staple for outdoor dining in Springdale. Almost a dozen food trucks with rotating schedules make a wide variety of cuisine available seven days a week.
G
reat food, authentic tunes, and a strong sense of community. What more do you need for a good time? This is the unofficial principle behind Fayetteville Roots Festival, which offers an impressive lineup of music and culinary programming. Founded by musicians Bernice and Bryan Hembree and restaurateur Jerrmy Gawthrop, the event is indicative of the collaborative spirit and creativity in the region. Like many aspects of the Ozarks, the festival was born from humble beginnings: The Hembrees used to host house concerts for band friends passing through town. One night in 2010 they found themselves overbooked, and Jerrmy offered space at his then restaurant, Greenhouse Grille. “As soon as the weekend was over, we had people coming over saying please keep doing this; this is great,” Bernice says. Now in its 13th year, the Fayetteville Roots Festival boasts a powerhouse lineup of diverse songwriters at multiple venues August 25-27, plus year-round programming at its downtown Roots HQ and in partnership with KUAF. The word “roots” speaks to the type of music you’ll hear—everything from folk and bluegrass to country, jazz, and more—as well as the kind of food you’ll find
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at the event. “Right out of the gate, instead of serving typical fest fare, we had local chefs doing all the food,” Jerrmy says. From there, the culinary element of the festival grew to include tastings, lectures, chef cook-offs, and, new this year, chef takeovers that invite local and visiting chefs to collaborate on special once-in-a-lifetime menus at Fayetteville restaurants. With a $200 price tag on Thursday night’s VIP kickoff party, the team has been mindful of incorporating more accessible elements for the public, as well. For example, Taste & Talk is a free series of moderated conversations at the Fayetteville Public Library with chefs, farmers, and other industry professionals coupled with tastings following the discussions. “Being able to make things happen and see friends and peers contributing to the fabric of the community here is so neat to see,” Jerrmy says of both the festival and the city’s ability to evolve. “We do love this town. We enjoy every time we’re on the road traveling, and we play music at some really great places, but there’s something special about coming back to Fayetteville,” Bernice says. For a schedule and more information about Fayetteville Roots Festival, visit fayettevilleroots.org. Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Fayetteville & Springdale.
L I F E
D I S C O V E R
SHOP
This year marks ROMANCE DIAMOND’S (romancediamond. com) 20th annivesary in their Dickson Street location, and to celebrate they’re making the shop better than ever. While the storefront will be closed for a few weeks during renovations, appointments will still be available through their recently opened second location in Rogers as well as by phone. With a mixture of imported antiques, new home décor, tabletop wares, kitchen products, and gifts, a stop at THE FRENCH COTTAGE (thefrenchcottageshop.com) is a shopping experience like no other. While this eclectic shop just celebrated its first anniversary, owner Jennifer Bronson’s iteration has a long history with customers in Fayetteville thanks to her mother-in-law’s wellknown stores, French Quarter Antiques & Feather Your Nest.
VISIT
A wall painted by muralist Meg Bourne at Clothe Boutique.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2022-2023 Broadway season at WALTON ARTS CENTER (waltonartscenter.org), which kicks off with My Fair Lady running August 9-14. Be sure to also check the schedule for the organization’s outdoor amphitheater in Rogers, The Walmart AMP, which brings the likes of Dierks Bentley, Incubus, and Keith Urban to the stage in August.
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Walton Arts Center’s
SPECTACULAR 2022/23 Broadway Series TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
My Fair Lady
Aug. 9-14, 2022 | 8 shows
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Sept. 20-25, 2022 | 8 shows
Chicago
Nov. 8-13, 2022 | 8 shows
Tootsie
Jan. 17-22, 2023 | 8 shows
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Feb. 9-19, 2023 | 14 shows
Hadestown
May 23-28, 2023 | 8 shows
CLASSES FOR ADULTS & KIDS! Broadway Series Sponsor:
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Premier Broadway Series Support: Bob & Becky Alexander | Friends of Broadway
Pleasant Ridge Town Center 11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 912 • Little Rock 501-414- 0804 • muddypigstudio.com • @muddypigstudio
T H E FA M I LY H O M ES I S S U E
Home
Double Delight
After learning they would be grandparents times two, a Little Rock couple creates a colorful, comfortable nursery fit for twins
WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH
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Black-and-white images of the pair’s first days captured by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography are a sweet finishing touch to the design.
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hen Leslie and Joey Wiggins learned their son and daughter-in-law, Blake and Courtney, were expecting twin boys, they knew they needed to make a move—to the couple’s neighborhood, to be exact. “Like most people, we are very family oriented and wanted to be close by to help and to watch them grow,” Joey says. As luck would have it, they were able to find a home under construction that backed up to the soon-to-be parents’ property. They called on designer Jill Lawrence, whom they had worked with on their previous home, to personalize the space and create a dream nursery. “They were just giddy over having grandbabies,” the designer says. “However, we wanted this space to be a little bit more sophisticated to blend with the rest of the house.” Jill had saved a fabric from a trip to the Decoration & Design Building in New York and thought it would be an ideal choice for the room’s statement piece. “This is not a standard nursery; I took
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a risk, and they totally trusted me and the direction,” she says. She played off of the primary colors in this drapery fabric by bringing in warm metals and tons of texture. Knowing the room needed to accommodate two cribs, two chairs, and a changing table/dresser as well as accessories, square footage was a priority. Jill employed both thoughtful space planning and a rich wall color to speak to this. “A lot of people will say you need to go light when a space is small, but I prefer to embrace the size and make cozy rooms,” she says, pointing to a peacock-colored grasscloth that covers the walls. “It’s like a little jewel box.” Practical yet stylish features include a Sherpa rug for added softness when the little ones are crawling, dimmable floor lamps for reading and feeding, and electric reclining chairs that swivel, glide, and have a USB charging port. “I hadn’t done a nursery in a long time and it was really such a joy,” Jill says of the experience. AH
Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Jill Lawrence and Lindsey Forshee, J. Lawrence Design ACCESSORIES Fabulous Finds and Tipton & Hurst BEDDING, FABRICS, FURNITURE AND LIGHTING J. Lawrence Design RUGS J. Lawrence Design and ProSource of Little Rock WALLPAPER Designer Effects WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Debco Paint & Wallpaper WINDOW COVERINGS Nancy Osborne
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, so we are here to help and be together anytime.” —Joey Wiggins, homeowner
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Here We
GROW! A pair of fish prints are a nod to the couple’s love of fly fishing that add personalization to the room.
WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH
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In Fayetteville, a sophisticated nursery sets the scene for a new arrival
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esigner Stacy Sheid Epps has a long history with this Northwest Arkansas family. So when the parents-to-be called on her to create a nursery for their first baby, she was excited to welcome the little one and eager to get started on his room. Stacy notes the mother has a streamlined aesthetic inspired by years spent living in both Dallas and New York. The designer wanted to embrace this to create a neutral space that is baby friendly. “She likes a more minimalistic look and is drawn to beige, cream, and black,” Stacy adds. Additionally, pops of blue began to work their way into the design, acting as another neutral. “Overall, we didn’t want the nursery to be too
babyish but rather a room that could grow with him.” To achieve this, the designer started by covering the space in a Sister Parish wallpaper. “We used this on everything that was standing still, from the walls and ceiling to the closet and bath,” she says, noting the simple pattern doesn’t overwhelm the room. Underfoot, a tailored, geometric-print rug provides a soft surface where the baby can crawl while also bringing in the light blue hue that is echoed on the textured dresserturned-changing table. In addition to the crib, Stacy specified a daybed where mom or dad might sleep close by during nighttime feedings. Blackout-style drapes and a woven shade block light during naptime and complete the design. AH
Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Stacy Sheid Epps, Stacy Sheid Interiors ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, FURNITURE, RUGS, AND WALLPAPER Stacy Sheid Interiors WINDOW COVERINGS Selah Design Studio WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Steve Herrin
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Maggie and Blake Chism embrace family life in a west Little Rock home that’s equal parts style and substance WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH
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fter five years spent completing a medical residency and fellowship, Maggie and Blake Chism were ready to return to the Natural State. “We had lived in Memphis and, most recently, in Baltimore in a two-bedroom apartment with our three young children,” Maggie explains. With the light of a job for Blake in Little Rock at the end of the tunnel, the Chisms began the hunt for a home for their family of five. “We had been looking at this house, and I wasn’t sure about it at first,” Maggie says. After living in two areas steeped in history, they were slightly hesitant about being in a newer part of the capital city. “But this neighborhood— all of the sudden—has an age to it in a really positive way,” she says of their west Little Rock subdivision. Moreover, the house was conducive to the family’s day-to-day lifestyle with enough bedrooms for them all to be on one floor, a huge backyard for play, and a garage. “Those were features we did not take for granted because we hadn’t had them before,” Maggie says. “Everything was just so livable.” Perhaps even more alluring was the fact that the house would require only cosmetic updates. “The bones here were so strong, and I could really envision making it my own,” Maggie says. The couple planned to close on the home during a surprise trip to Little Rock for Maggie’s father’s birthday in March 2020, allowing them to slowly implement changes before their summer move. While they were in town, the COVID pandemic took off and the family’s situation changed. Thinking the worst would be over in a few weeks, Maggie and the children stayed behind with her parents while Blake returned to Maryland;
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“Simply White” Benjamin Moore
House of Joy! A day in the life of the Chisms: Chip, Mary Martin, and Grace Abbott get out their giggles on the living room sofa.
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The Chisms updated the kitchen with new countertops and hardware as well as fresh paint. The same green hue seen in the adjoining breakfast nook was also used on the island.
however, a few weeks turned into a few months with Maggie spearheading the home’s renovation—which included adding extensive trim work, fresh coats of paint throughout, and new flooring—and Blake packing their belongings at the apartment. “I couldn’t believe the changes were just cosmetic,” Blake says about first seeing the transformation. “The trim work especially added a lot to the look and feel. This was the summer of 2020, during strange and uncertain times, so it was a real blessing to move from Baltimore to a settled home,” he adds. To complement the refreshed structure, Maggie tapped into her natural bend toward traditional yet fresh furnishings, relaying that she is fond of the current grandmillennial aesthetic that mixes both. “Our generation has an endless supply of inspiration, so it can be challenging to know if you like something because you’ve seen it repeated on your feed or if it really speaks
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to you,” she says. To this point, she was intentional about everything from paint colors to photo frames. “I want to be sure it’s really something I love, and all the better if it has personal meaning,” she says. As they have settled in, Maggie continues to tweak the design. For example, the bedroom originally designated for their son turned out to be more conducive to an office, while the antique chairs she fell in love with for the breakfast nook now seem better suited to another season of life. “A family home is like a family: always evolving,” Maggie says. “If you enjoy design and interiors, you’re going to be continually inspired. Over time, just as the family grows and their needs change, the house becomes more layered—hopefully always increasing in richness and depth. It’s a wonderful thing to imagine staying here for the foreseeable future and knowing that 20-plus years from now the home will reflect all the life lived within these walls.” AH
NEAT NOOK
In a bit of kismet, Maggie pulled the breakfast nook’s green hue from the base of an antique occasional table that is now in the living room. A Serena & Lily wallpaper happened to perfectly match and was added to draw the eye upward. “I think for most people, the fear with wallpaper is not knowing if you’re going to love it over time. It’s an investment so you want it to be something you really like,” Maggie says. Now a favorite dining perch for the Chism children, the church pew was the first piece of furniture Maggie’s parents purchased after they married.
“Caldwell Green” Benjamin Moore
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 47
“A family home is really like a family: always evolving.” —Maggie Chism
A pair of caned wingback chairs once belonged to Maggie’s grandmother. “My mom and dad actually had their prom picture made sitting in these chairs,” she says with a laugh. A fresh coat of paint and new upholstery updated them for the next generation.
FRESH & LIVABLE
“The number one thing I want people to feel when they come into our home—no matter their age—is a warm welcome,” Maggie says. Wanting to make the spacious living room feel as warm as possible, Maggie started by adding picture frame molding to the walls to bring dimension. A green velvet sofa, matchstick blinds paired with soft curtains, a large unifying rug, and wooden furnishings also convey coziness.
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DINING IN
Natural light, one of Maggie’s favorite things about the home, spills into the dining room adjoining the kitchen. Subtle touches of blush pink show up in the wallpaper and draperies without creating an overly feminine space. Maggie found the bamboo chairs at Jenifer’s Antiques in Conway and had cushions and throw pillows made to create comfortable host chairs at the table.
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“Denim” Sherwin-Williams “First Light” Benjamin Moore
PINK & BLUE
As with many of the spaces, Maggie brought dimension to the children’s bedrooms by adding paneling on a portion of the walls. In the girls’ room, a light pink sets a sweet tone while a deep blue adds to the outdoorsy, Western theme in their young son’s space.
CHAT ROOM
A pair of comfortable round-back chairs create a conversation area in the home office. “We only have the one big living space, so I wanted something a little more intimate where we could sit and talk with adult friends,” Maggie says. The desk once belonged to her brother. “I love the traditional style but it’s also personally meaningful,” she says.
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A QUIET RETREAT
Loving the look of handpainted wallpaper but not wanting the expense or expanse of a full wall, Maggie ordered a pair of panels from Etsy and framed them to create a statement in the primary bedroom. A partners desk from Jenifer’s Antiques serves as a bedside table. The bamboo style of the light fixture, caning on the side chair, and blush hue are elements repeated from other rooms in the home and subtly unite the spaces.
Design Resources ACCESSORIES Cobblestone & Vine and Tipton & Hurst COUNTERTOPS Triton Stone Group FABRICS Cynthia East Fabrics FLOORING Cash Flooring FURNITURE Jenifer’s Antiques MILLWORK Carlos Manuel PAINT Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams PAINTING Keith Holland TILE (BACKSPLASH) The Tile Shop WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Mike Mace WINDOW COVERINGS (LIVING ROOM) Drape & Design Co.
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Casual Comfort in the Delta WRITER & STYLIST STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK
52 At Home in Arkansas | August 2022
CALMING SCENE
In the family room addition, breezy blues and sandy neutrals reflect the sense of serenity that draws Brittney to coastal style. The sofa is covered in performance fabric for peak practicality, and patterns mix playfully on upholstered chairs, pillows, and drapes. Over the sofa, Ashley arranged a series of framed abstracts for a traditional take on contemporary art.
Employing transitional style with a coastal flair, designer Ashley Brewer helps a Marion family get the most from their home
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hen Brittney and Alex Dean bought their home in Marion eight years ago, they knew they’d found the one. “We loved the bones, the size for just starting a family, and the location,” Brittney says, noting both its proximity to nearby Memphis and friends in the neighborhood. However, the house seemed to shrink as their two children reached late elementary school, prompting the desire for more space without making a move. In 2020, as the family found themselves together more than ever, they decided it was time for changes that would make the most of their cherished home. Enter Ashley Brewer, a longtime friend who had recently launched her interior design business. Ashley advised the Deans to consider their home improvements holistically. “I always tell clients, let’s have a bigger plan. Even if you just want to start with this one area, what do you see changing in the next two, three, or four years?” Ashley says. For the Deans, the big picture included more living space where they could all be together. “Their existing living room was really tight for a family of four. You
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 53
A grasscloth console grounds the entry while carrying the home’s coastal influence throughout the connected spaces.
had to be sitting on the couch to see the TV above the fireplace,” the designer recalls. “We wanted to create a space that was more airy and open—big enough for more seating, but also a room where the kids can pile on the floor.” With the help of Michael Rushing Construction, they reimagined a screened-in porch off the living area by fully enclosing it (and enlarging its footprint) to create a spacious family room. From there, Ashley worked with the couple to refresh paint colors, lighting, and furnishings throughout the house to better reflect their style, which Brittney describes as “a mix of coastal and traditional.” “I wanted an environment that feels crisp and clean, but also where you’re not scared to crawl up on the couch and relax,” she says. To achieve this, Ashley drew inspiration from pieces the family already owned, including the neutral living room sofa and blue- and green-hued artwork. “She has such great taste, I didn’t have to do a lot of convincing,” Ashley says. The result is a home that offers enough space for the whole crew as well as a cohesive, livable style. AH
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“Revere Pewter” Benjamin Moore
CASUAL REMIX
Relocating the TV to the family room allowed for an artful focal point over the mantel: a giclée by Nashville painter DeAnn Hebert, one of Brittney’s favorite artists. The fireplace surround was replaced with a fresh white quartz, and Ashley selected the rug and striped swivel chairs to coordinate with the new addition’s furnishings that are visible through a pair of French doors.
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FEELING FRESH
A custom wood dining table with seating for six was one of the first pieces the Deans bought for the home. At first a practical purchase, the table is now sentimental, which Ashley embraced. “I think it’s so important for people to use things that are special to their family,” she says. She finished the dining room’s design with an Oushak rug, linen Schumacher drapes, and a Visual Comfort chandelier.
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A rattan bar cart (that sits opposite the dining room window) and piece of coral hint at the home’s seaside influence.
ROOM FOR WHIMSY
After cosmetic updates in the kitchen the Deans found themselves with a small piece of leftover quartz, which they used to upgrade the downstairs bathroom. “That led to the faucet, which led to the wallpaper (Thibaut’s ‘Solis’), which led to the custom Roman shade,” Ashley laughs. A red tape on the window covering (and a coordinating shower curtain) brings an unexpected punch of color to a home filled with cooler tones.
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A GOOD SPORT
A tailored aesthetic with athletic-inspired accessories transpired in 9-year-old Layton’s room. “We gave it a more mature palette and kept it simple so it’s something he could enjoy over time,” Ashley says. She created the lamp using a customizable base and a bucket of baseballs.
GIRLISH CHIC
Eleven-year-old Ava Claire was given free rein to make her room her own, and right away she selected a bedspread and shams from Rifle Paper Co.’s collaboration with Anthropologie. “She’s at that age where she’s expressing her individuality and knows what she likes,” her mother says. Ashley pulled blue and green accent colors from the floral pattern to finish out the preteen’s stylish space.
Design Resources CONTRACTOR (ADDITION) Michael Rushing Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Ashley Brewer, Ashley Brewer Interiors ACCESSORIES Ashley Brewer Interiors and Merry Magnolia COUNTERTOPS AND FIREPLACE (SURROUND) Triton Stone Group FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND MIRRORS Ashley Brewer Interiors PAINT Benjamin Moore RUGS Kiser’s Floor Fashions (Memphis) WINDOW COVERINGS EP Custom Window Coverings (Collierville)
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TRENDSETTERS Whether you’re working on a small refresh or a full home makeover, call on a local interior designer to guide you through the process
Photo by Rett Peek. Design by Bear Hill Interiors
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 59
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providenceltddesign.com Proud to be an Interior Design Trendsetter
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 61
T R E N D S E T T E R S
FAYETTEVILLE
Casey Sarkin Interior Design Established in 1997, Casey Sarkin Interior Design is a residential and commercial design firm. CSID’s philosophy is to help their clients have homes and spaces that reflect their personalities. Your home is your refuge and should contain the things you love and that make you feel comfortable. We will curate a personal collection of furnishings, art, and collectibles that reflect your
personality, taste, and life. We collaborate with our clients to create beautiful, livable homes and work spaces, working closely with them to cultivate their sense of style and integrate these designs throughout their home. From idea conception through architectural drawings, project management, construction, and finally the interior finishes, we manage the process.
479.530.0686 caseysarkininteriordesign.com @caseysarkindesign
CASEY SARKIN HOME CASEY SARKIN INTERIOR DESIGN
A curated collection for the home of art, vintage and new furnishings, lighting, antiques, gifts and accessories.
3945 N Vantage, Fayet teville AR caseysarkininteriordesign.com @shopcshome | @caseysarkindesign Mon - Fri 10 - 5 | Sat 10 -2
62 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
T R E N D S E T T E R S
LITTLE ROCK
Shayla Copas Interiors Since opening her design business more than two decades ago, Shayla Copas has become a name to know in design. “Our team has worked all over the United States designing awardwinning, affordable luxury interiors,” she says. “From new builds to renovations, we do it all.” Shayla stands out in the industry for her experience as a product designer for national manufacturers. “If a client is looking for a special piece, I can design it for them and have it produced,” she says. She also has a keen eye for color, selecting paint colors, and incorporating new fabrics and furnishings into an existing space. Shayla attributes her firm’s success to its client-focused onboarding process. “We get to know our clients and understand their wants and needs in depth before tackling each project,” she says. “This enables us to design a space that shows their personality.” Her first book, Four Seasons of Entertaining, was released in 2019, and she is currently working on her follow-up title. Shayla also serves on the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Commission and has served as interior designer for the governor’s residence.
501.502.7429 shaylacopas.com @shaylacopas
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Photo by Christa Lewis
Proud to be an Interior Design Trendsetter
2222 Cantrell Road | Little Rock | 501.221.2032 | debidavisinteriordesign.com
64 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
T R E N D S E T T E R S
BENTONVILLE
éLAN Creative In 2009, Julie R. Rodriguez founded her interior designbuild firm with a mission to help people live better in their spaces. “We design functional solutions to improve our clients’ quality of life, work, and play,” she says. The company takes on new construction as well as remodel projects, and Julie describes her personal style as new traditional. “I love that look so much. It’s the perfect blend of clean, simple lines with meaningful elements.” No matter the scope of the project, Julie’s advice is don’t begin until you have a plan in place. “My biggest recommendation is to plan all the details before construction begins,” Julie says. “This sets you up for a great experience and a thoughtfully designed environment where you can thrive.” éLAN Creative’s forwardthinking approach keeps clients’ budgets and schedules in check, too. “The ‘b word,’ budget, should really be thought of as ‘investment’ instead,” Julie says, noting that investments start with bigpicture planning so you can prioritize your spending where it matters.
479.268.8246 elancreative.co @elancreative
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
From the Pros Designers share their recent projects, favorite trends, and current inspirations
Specialty finishes like tadelakt, venetian plaster, stenciled floors, handpainted murals, and painted furniture. JILL LAWRENCE, J. LAWRENCE DESIGN
Anything from Tilebar. It’s my visual and textural candy store! I’m currently loving their marble-look porcelains— they’re so realistic!
What trend or design element are you most excited about at the moment?
KATHRYN LEMASTER, KATHRYN J. LEMASTER ART & DESIGN
I’m loving a green color palette right now. KRISTA LEWIS, K. LEWIS INTERIOR DESIGN
I am loving Thibaut’s newest collection and their ‘Willow Tree’ fabric. SHAYLA COPAS, SHAYLA COPAS INTERIORS
Bespoke tile companies. Currently obsessed with the new Schumacher launch from They have the most fun, Miles Redd and David Kaihoi. genius designs. KEVIN WALSH, BEAR HILL INTERIORS
MARIANNA O’DEA, O’DEA STUDIOS
Dare I say, the end of gray! I’m excited about reds again.
Florals. Especially floralcovered upholstery with a ruffled skirt.
STACY SHEID EPPS, STACY SHEID INTERIORS SUSAN WALSH, BEAR HILL INTERIORS
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Terrazzo. This old-school installation technique— consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass poured into a cement binder— has had a major comeback, and I am here for it! MERIDITH RANOUIL, CKBD, ALLIED ASID, MLH DESIGNS
Color. Whether inside or out, I’ve always admired dramatic colors, and I am glad to see them incorporated with the grays so many people have in their homes. LORI CARPENTER, LORI CARPENTER DESIGNS
Patterned & textured performance fabrics like Inside Out and Crypton that work hard but look and feel great. AMY WILLIAMS, AMY WILLIAMS DESIGN
T R E N D S E T T E R S
LITTLE ROCK
The Shade Above Jeremy Carter’s start in the design world goes back to his days growing up in Des Arc. “I have always had a love for design,” he says. “I started at a very young age in a small store in my hometown.” Soon after, he jumped full-time into the home design industry. After several years as head designer at a development company in Missouri, Jeremy moved back to his home state to get plugged into the design community here. In November 2017, he bought Little Rock lighting store The Shade Above. “I have always loved lamps. Design is all about the details, and lights sometimes add that extra needed detail to a room.” As for his own style, Jeremy is drawn to eclectic, collected designs. “I like something that looks like it has evolved over time,” he says. “I love a mixture of textures, and a neutral room with great art and accessories—and lamps, of course!”
The Shade Above offers lighting and so much more — Including a full range of design ser vice available for any budget
THE SHADE ABOVE LIGHTING COLLECTION
501.374.3555 2208 Cantrell Road theshadeabove.com
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
LITTLE ROCK
B. Interiors
Designer Chandler Bailey had always dreamed of starting her own business but wasn’t sure when or how it would come to be. “I worked for Bear Hill Interiors for five years and after I got married I liked the idea of a flexible schedule. My husband encouraged me to go for it, so I did!” she says. At B Interiors, Chandler brings her transitional style to clients’ homes by mixing antiques with new pieces. “Using my clients’ family heirlooms is one of my favorite things. I am also a girly girl, so I love a floral print as well as making a statement with a fun piece
of art, a bright pillow, or a large piece such as chairs or a sofa,” the designer says. These small décor updates have been among Chandler’s largest requests recently as clients spend more time at home and strive to personalize their homes. As a mother of two, Chandler particularly enjoys working on family homes. “I know what is kid-friendly, so working with families is always super fun for me. I love getting to know people through their homes. It’s so personal and such an honor when they choose me to be a part of it!”
b-interiorslr.com @binteriorslr
MARION
Ashley Brewer Interiors After a career in marketing along with years spent designing spaces for her friends and family, Ashley Brewer took a leap and opened her own interior design business in 2019. Her skillset, including the ability to listen, problem solve, and execute a project allowed for a smooth transition in this new role and continues to serve both her and her clients. “I have always enjoyed improving aspects of people’s lives. If they have a need or want in their home, I love figuring it out and finding a solution,” she says. As a busy mother of two, Ashley
knows firsthand that the key to well-designed spaces is functionality. “When people ask me where to start, I simply ask, Where do you spend the most time? I realize clients live varied lifestyles and have different budgets. I’m here for it all,” she says. In terms of style, the designer is personally drawn to transitional aesthetics, especially when she is able to incorporate meaningful heirlooms into a space while keeping the look casual and fresh. “My heart is in my home, and I think everyone should have the opportunity to feel the same way.”
870.514.5055 ashleybrewerinteriors.com @ashleybrewerinteriors
Photo by Rett Peek
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
B E A U T I F U L LY L I V A B L E INTERIORS 501-952-6952 KLEWISINTERIORDESIGN.COM 2305 CANTRELL ROAD LIT TLE ROCK, ARK ANSAS
M A R A L A M B M A L C OL M | 5 01. 813.02 02
M A R A@L A M B SI N T E R IOR DE SIGN.C OM August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 69
T R E N D S E T T E R S
4306 S. Thompson Springdale, AR HarperHoweyInteriors.com 479.750.7300
BH
B E A R
HIL L
I N T E R I O R S
bearhillinteriors.com 501-907-9272 1420 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock, AR 72202
70 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
T R E N D S E T T E R S
Lately, a lot of custom lampshades.
What is your favorite trick for an instant room upgrade?
STACY SHEID EPPS, STACY SHEID INTERIORS
Plants and curtains. If you place a good-sized floor plant in a corner, a small one as a centerpiece on a tabletop, and then add floorto-ceiling simple drapery panels around any perimeter windows (and sometimes exterior doors, too), you will instantly feel approximately 110% happier in that space. KATHRYN LEMASTER, KATHRYN J. LEMASTER ART & DESIGN
Lighting. Good lighting makes a huge difference. JILL LAWRENCE, J. LAWRENCE DESIGN
I like to move things around and steal furniture from other rooms. For example, take the top off a buffet you no longer use and place it under a TV in a guest room. Nightstands can be used as end tables in the living room and tables as desks. LORI CARPENTER, LORI CARPENTER DESIGNS
Everywhere: walks outside, favorite shelter magazines, design articles, estate sales, and Instagram. KRISTA LEWIS, K. LEWIS INTERIOR DESIGN
I love to follow other talented designers in different areas. I draw so much inspiration by staying connected to what they are working on! ASHLEY BREWER, ASHLEY BREWER INTERIORS
My greatest source for inspiration comes through travel. KEVIN WALSH, BEAR HILL INTERIORS
I have always had a love affair with fabric; the textures and colors inspire me. I love meandering around a great fabric shop. LISA STAGG, LJ INTERIORS
Where do you go for inspiration?
For kitchens, I find painting and adding new hardware and countertops is an instant update. SHAYLA COPAS, SHAYLA COPAS INTERIORS
I typically design with neutral colors and fabrics for the overall space, then I will accessorize with fun fabrics for the throw pillows and interesting rugs. These can be easily replaced if the client wants a quick refresh. MERIDITH RANOUIL, CKBD, ALLIED ASID, MLH DESIGNS
Paint! It’s a quick way to change the mood of a space and update tired cabinetry, trim, and walls. AMY WILLIAMS, AMY WILLIAMS DESIGN
Hang wonderful artwork. SUSAN WALSH, BEAR HILL INTERIORS
Coffee table books and my new favorite, Frederic magazine from Schumacher. STACY SHEID EPPS, STACY SHEID INTERIORS
Travel, shelter magazines, and old movies. JILL LAWRENCE, J. LAWRENCE DESIGN
I still love to flip through print magazines. When I feel like I need a surge of inspiration, I will grab five or six magazines, some hot tea, and start flipping! It is both inspiring and therapeutic.
I love following other designers and watching trends. We have so many talented men and women in this industry; many are my friends, and we all love being inspired by each other!
MERIDITH RANOUIL, CKBD, ALLIED ASID, MLH DESIGNS
Vintage magazines and seeing new products from vendors.
HEATHER FULLER, FULLER DESIGN CO.
MARIANNA O’DEA, O’DEA STUDIOS
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
LITTLE ROCK
Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design Since founding her business almost 10 years ago, Kathryn J. LeMaster has always kept the needs of her clients at the forefront of every project. She achieves this with the help of what she calls her “dream team,” which includes senior designer Emily Parks, junior designer Paula Tony, and Kathryn’s husband and project manager, Forrest Roberts. “Together, we consider ourselves advocates for our clients throughout the process, no matter the scope—from consulting to DIY design plans and full-service packages,” she says.
When she designs, Kathryn is drawn to a happy, unexpected mix of styles to truly represent the fullness of life. “We tailor our service to reflect who our clients are are as individuals, not who I am as a designer.” At its core, Kathryn believes her work is about problemsolving. “Helping clients overcome what’s kept them stuck—schedule or budget constraints, creativity blocks, or lack of experience—is so rewarding,” she says. “I consider it an honor to guide people to homes that contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.”
501.626.0267 kathr ynjlemaster.com @kjlemaster
Photo by Forrest Roberts of Addison Jones
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
LJ Interiors “Your home should be a place of refuge,” says Lisa Stagg of LJ Interiors. “I’ve found when my clients love their homes, they invite others in, and that’s when memories are made.” She credits her mother with instilling creativity in her at an early age. “I grew up with a very talented mother. She designed and sewed beautiful clothes. We would spend hours choosing the perfect fabrics for her customers and for my latest outfit,” she recalls. This led Lisa to a career in visual merchandising before opening LJ Interiors in 2006.
501.529.4382 @ljstagg
72 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
When it comes to her personal style, the designer likes clean lines and the juxtaposition of traditional and modern pieces. To this point, she often uses a client’s existing furnishings in a design, thus achieving an updated look by mixing new and old. She also strives to create organized, highly livable spaces. “My goal is to craft beautiful, edited rooms that function well over time,” Lisa says, noting that interiors you love should be a priority for all. “My affordable rates allow everyone to have a beautiful home,” she says.
T R E N D S E T T E R S
ASH FLAT
Lori Carpenter Designs Twenty-six years ago, Lori Carpenter opened The Grapevine Home as a gift and accessory store in Ash Flat. As her customers admired her work in the store, she took on clients who asked for help decorating their homes. “Eventually, I invested in myself and my business by enrolling in online courses and completed my interior design certification while running the store full-time and raising my three children,” she recalls. In recent years, Lori has transitioned the gift store
into a design showroom complete with fabric and window treatment samples, rugs, and hardware; this led to renaming her business Lori Carpenter Designs. Now, she’s the current president of the Interior Design Society of Arkansas. “I serve many clients who are busy homeowners who want to have a beautifully styled home, but don’t necessarily have the time to create the space of their dreams. I take that off their plates so they can focus on the things they love most,” she says.
870.847.0286 loricarpenterdesigns.com @loricarpenterdesigns
LITTLE ROCK
M.N’Teriors Miguel Newberg, owner of M.N’Teriors, has been designing for over 22 years and is still in awe of the privilege she has to create personal spaces for her clients. She goes on to explain, “We strongly believe that choosing an interior designer to guide you through the process ensures not only a timeless space that reflects your style, but makes the process seamless too.” For Miguel, the past few years have been an opportunity to remember
why she loves what she does. “We found that people are taking a closer look at their homes and tackling smaller projects like finding the perfect art piece, updating light fixtures, or picking out new paint.” Whether it’s a new construction home, a remodel, or these smaller upgrades, M.N’Teriors is equipped for the project. The goal is simple: to help clients make their home a place of elegance and comfort that they will enjoy for years to come.
501.993.2766 mnteriors.com @mnteriors
Photo by Molly Anne Sandefur
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 73
T R E N D S E T T E R S
LITTLE ROCK
Fuller Design Co. Founding her own design firm has been years in the making for Heather Fuller. As a child she enjoyed creating unique spaces, and this passion took a professional turn with a role at a home furnishings store in Kansas City. “I knew immediately how much I loved working with people and helping them create the perfect space,” she says. “Our store flourished, and I was proud of this first adventure. I like to call that experience my hands-on design school.”
After relocating to Little Rock, starting a family, and working in the industry for several years, Heather launched Fuller Design Co. in 2020. “Starting a new business during a global pandemic felt risky, but so many people were looking for help creating homes they loved,” she says, noting her company takes on both renovations and new builds. “Right out of the gate I was busy creating beautiful spaces. I continue to be very thankful God has provided so many opportunities and friendships along the way.”
501.231.8408 fullerdesign.co @fullerdesign.co
NOW BOOKING FOR 2023 LITTLE ROCK
MLH Designs, Inc. Interior design is the “perfect blend of architecture and art” for designer Meridith Ranouil, Allied ASID. She opened MLH Designs in 2003, and since then, has won multiple awards and achieved the level of Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer. Meridith is often hired in the early planning stages of a space. “I love collaborating with architects and contractors to perfect the space planning and kitchen and bathroom design of a home,” Meridith says. From there, she
helps select fixtures and finishes as well as the finishing touches, like fabrics and art, to create exactly the home the client is envisioning. “I take my clients’ style and tastes and put it through my filter. The end result is typically clean and simple,” Meridith says. “I have the ability to give the client guidance beyond aesthetics. I can listen to and successfully interpret the wants and desires of my clients and help navigate the day to day details of the entire renovation process.”
Meridith Ranouil, CKBD, Allied ASID 501.766.0594 mlh-designs.com @mlh_designs
74 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
T R E N D S E T T E R S
57.1% Kitchen
14.3% Primary Bath
The list is long! We just bought a 1968 home that needs a lot of love. The guest bath is first, then hopefully the primary bath and eventually the kitchen.
Of your recent renovation projects, what space has been the most popular for clients to remodel?
It’s time to make some tweaks in my bedroom. This is where I want to add florals mixed with ethnic prints. SUSAN WALSH, BEAR HILL INTERIORS
MARIANNA O’DEA, O’DEA STUDIOS
We moved into a new house in November, and I’m the worst client I’ve ever had! My family room is full of old furniture that needs to be replaced or recovered. It’s the last on my list and probably the most important! STACY SHEID EPPS, STACY SHEID INTERIORS
Our outdoor area. We have a beautiful screened porch and, in cooler temperatures, our family enjoys a lot of time out there. We are planning to update the space with a kitchen area and hopefully a pool to enjoy year round.
What design project at your own house is next on your list?
My business has grown, and I am very excited, but now my house is covered in samples, client projects, and files! So, I am currently remodeling a space in my house to become my official Fuller Design Co. home office.
We just bought a 40-yearold midcentury-inspired ranch home and are in the process of a full remodel, so every room is getting some attention. It is built on the side of a hill and feels like a tree house. I am excited to work with the character of the existing rock posts, exposed beams, and walls of windows to increase the tree house feel while updating it to function best for our family.
HEATHER FULLER, FULLER DESIGN CO.
AMY WILLIAMS, AMY WILLIAMS DESIGN
ASHLEY BREWER, ASHLEY BREWER INTERIORS
7.1%
Whole House
21.5% Other, including Living and Family Rooms
We are actually in the process of restoring a historic (early 1900s) house on Kavanaugh Boulevard that was once the home of one of Little Rock’s premier designers, Victor Zanovich. KEVIN WALSH, BEAR HILL INTERIORS
We just finished building and moving to our new home. Our landscaping and pool are currently being completed, and I am excited to create a space outdoors for our friends and family to relax and enjoy. LISA STAGG, LJ INTERIORS
I am tackling my dining room at the moment. I am so excited to lighten up the space by taking down the metallic gold damask wallpaper and replacing it with a fresh scenic wallcovering. We are also replacing the rug and end chairs in the room. SHAYLA COPAS, SHAYLA COPAS INTERIORS
August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 75
T R E N D S E T T E R S
STACY SHEID EPPS | 870.405.7770 STACYSHEIDEPPS@GMAIL.COM
Melissa Hall Simmons 76 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
studio-mh.com @studio.mh.design
T R E N D S E T T E R S
LITTLE ROCK
O’Dea Studios For Marianna O’Dea, designing a home is about more than quality furnishings and the perfect palette. “Good design is about relationships between people and their spaces,” she says. “How you use design to personalize and define those spaces is so important.” After earning an interior design degree followed by years in the industry, Marianna opened O’Dea Studios in 2017 to serve a broad range of clients by offering room makeovers as well as home remodels and new builds.
The designer has two must-haves in every project: color and great lighting. “I definitely love color. Subtle or bold, the right combo makes the biggest impact,” she says. “And lighting and fixtures are so important. Anything shiny will always draw your attention.” More than anything else, Marianna suggests you invest in the rooms you live in the most. “I really value my clients and their families, and I try my best to create a space for them that will feel like home.”
2923 B Kavanaugh Blvd. 501.916.2347 odeastudios.com @odea_studios
LITTLE ROCK
The Velvet Boxwood After growing up in a family steeped in horticulture and interiors, it’s no wonder Laurie Miller entered the world of design herself. In 2015, after working for several esteemed creatives, she launched The Velvet Boxwood, a design studio specializing in home interiors, gardens, events, and florals. “We create atmospheres that embody the warmth and traditions of the South but with a European flair,” she says. “We strive to curate a feeling, not just achieve an aesthetic.” Along with this intention, Laurie and her team are most inspired by people. “Bringing family together is the reason we design
homes and gardens. This is where we set a stage for memories.” This year, Laurie teamed up with her friend Tabeitha Dillard to launch Gloriette, a curated garden and entertaining line of products—many of which often appear in The Velvet Boxwood’s designs. “Our gardens are memory keepers,” Laurie says. “They hold moments in our hearts, from working in the gardens with grandparents to playing with our own babies and sharing stories we hold dear.” Gloriette’s line of linens, pottery, dishes, and more can be found online at shopgloriette.com.
hello@thevelvetbox wood.com thevelvetbox wood.com @thevelvetbox wood
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
AMY WILLIAMS DESIGN hello@amywilliamsinteriors.com | @amywilliamsinteriors 1502 West Pleasure St., Searcy AR, 72143
J. LAWRENCE DESIGN COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 501.804.2391 • JLAWRENCEDESIGN.COM • @JLAWRENCEDESIGN PAVILION IN THE PARK: 8201 CANTRELL ROAD, SUITE 360, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
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Leslie Marshall (501) 804-3692 78 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
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August 2022 | athomearkansas.com 79
E N D
N OT E S
MEET THE ARTIST
Flora Saldivar Her Art
“I tend to name my paintings with hopeful, uplifting sayings. I envision clients looking at my paintings in their spaces and having their spirits silently boosted as they pass by.”
Acrylics and oils on canvas. “I also use several non-traditional mediums, such as coffee, wild blueberries, beeswax, and sometimes even soil to create wonderful texture.”
Color Cues
Subject Matter
“I often like to throw an unexpected color into my artwork. For example, I might pick a fluorescent green that is completely out of place, but somehow make it work with everything else.”
“I’m a formalist in the sense that my initial focus is to simply make a beautiful, harmonious piece. I like to leave the rest up to the viewer.”
Art Inspiration
Dream Project
Post-war American art, which was created between 1945 and 1970.
“My ultimate dream is to have a piece in the Crystal Bridges permanent collection.”
Find Her Work Flora’s work is often available at The Art Collective Gallery in Rogers and always at floraformalista.com. You can also follow along on Instagram (@flora_formalista).
80 At Home in Arkansas |August 2022
Photo by Rett Peek
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